The Walking Artist’s: London
LONDON | WALKING TOUR | TRAVEL ARTIST | VACATION | SELF GUIDED
London has a way of capturing your imagination long before you ever set foot there. It’s no surprise that it’s firmly in my top five favorite cities in the world — and honestly, it’s a no-brainer. The vibrancy, the accessibility, the layers of history and culture woven into its streets — London offers a kind of urban experience that’s hard to match anywhere else.
Every visit feels like stepping into a living, breathing storybook. Wander through Covent Garden, Notting Hill, or Shoreditch, and you’ll stumble upon something unexpected at every corner: a historic building that’s quietly witnessed centuries pass by, a tucked-away café buzzing with life, a splash of street art that makes you smile. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the haunting beauty of the Tower of London, the city unfolds with one breathtaking sight after another.
One of the things that makes London so unforgettable for me is how easy it is to experience all of it — on foot and by public transport. A walk along the River Thames, past the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye, reveals just how close history is to everyday life here.
Walking is a wonderful way to see the city, though London’s extensive public transport system—the famous Tube, bright red buses, black cabs, riverboats, and overground trains—makes it incredibly easy to explore quickly and comfortably.
Coming from a place where life often revolves around cars, I'm always a little in awe — and a little jealous — of how effortlessly Londoners move around without needing to drive. I’ve never lived in London myself (just visited a few times), but many of my friends made their move to London the same way I moved to the U.S. in my early twenties. Like any global city, London can be expensive to live in, but the silver lining is the incredible connectivity from surrounding towns and villages — making it possible to enjoy the best of London without being confined to the heart of it.
For visitors, the public transport system is a gift. You can hop on the Tube and in minutes be transported from the hustle of Oxford Street to the artsy vibes of East London or the leafy calm of Greenwich.
Want to explore Camden’s vintage markets in the morning, visit a world-class museum in the afternoon, and catch a West End show at night? The Tube makes it possible. And if you prefer a more scenic ride, the iconic double-decker buses are a perfect way to see the city from above. London’s walkability and transport system are about connecting you with the city’s soul. Take the Tube to King’s Cross and you’ll find yourself standing at the threshold of Harry Potter’s Platform 9¾. Jump on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Greenwich, and you can straddle the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory.
Yet even in the middle of this vibrant, never-pausing metropolis, you’ll find pockets of peace. London’s parks—Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park—are like green sanctuaries, offering a chance to slow down, and reconnect with nature. You can lose yourself and forget that you’re in one of the busiest cities in the world!
Culture lovers are spoiled for choice. London has more museums than any city in the world, and many of them are nestled within walkable, vibrant neighborhoods. Spend an afternoon getting lost in the Tate Modern, marveling at treasures in the British Museum, or admiring masterpieces at the National Gallery! The city’s multiculturalism comes alive not just in its neighborhoods but in its events and food. From Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown to Caribbean festivals lighting up Notting Hill, London’s diversity is something to be celebrated.
And the food scene is a world of its own — a reflection of the city’s global character. Whether you’re sampling street food at Borough Market or indulging in Michelin-starred dining, London is a food lover’s paradise. And speaking of food: Indian cuisine in London is next level. Gymkhana and Dishoom are absolute must-visits.
We loved Dishoom so much we ended up going three times — and every single time, we left happier than before. The flavors, the vibe, and the breakfast bacon naan is just unforgettable. Another thing that caught my attention was the after-work happy hour culture. Thanks to London’s walkability and public transport, people don’t need to worry about driving home after a drink or two. Watching office colleagues spill out onto lively patios, sipping gin and tonics and laughing away the stress of the day, made me realize how much a city’s infrastructure can influence its social life.
Beyond the city limits, the incredible train network means weekend getaways are only a ticket away. Fancy a trip to Scotland, Ireland, or a charming English countryside village? It’s all within easy reach.
London isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place you experience. A living museum, a constantly evolving canvas, a story that you become part of, one step, one ride, one moment at a time. So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to fall in love and know why its in my top five!